Colin Kaepernick – Should he have thrown that final pass to Michael Crabtree?

Should he or shouldn’t he? That’s the question emerging from the fateful final throw of the 2013 season by quarterback Colin Kaepernick. We all know what happened. Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman tipped the pass, linebacker Malcolm Smith intercepted and the 49ers were denied another Super Bowl title for the third straight season under head coach Jim Harbaugh.

On that snap, 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree was isolated on Sherman on Kaepernick’s right. On the opposite side, tight end Vernon Davis, wide receiver Anquan Boldin and wide receiver Quinton Patton were splayed out from right to left.

Sherman was pressed against Crabtree on the right, while the cornerbacks facing Patton and Boldin were playing off, as was the outside linebacker on Davis. Throwing to the left side is more complicated; of those three receivers, Kaepernick has to pick the right one and can’t be fooled by the coverage like he was when he misjudged the speed of dropping safety Cam Chancellor earlier in the quarter. That play resulted in an interception.

Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers might have been able to avoid this display by Richard Sherman (Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Instead, Kaepernick goes with the more defined read – Crabtree versus Sherman on the right. Kaepernick even looks to the middle for an instant, which holds free safety Earl Thomas’ attention. Thomas is anticipating one of the three receivers on the left to bolt across the middle. So now, in post snap, Kaepernick knows it’s just Sherman and Crabtree.

What Kaepernick doesn’t see is that Sherman fails to go for Crabtree’s stutter-step fake at the beginning of the route. So as both Sherman and Crabtree cross the goal line, Sherman is actually ahead of Crabtree and basically running the route for him.

Many said if Kaepernick would have thrown the ball to the back pylon, Crabtree would have caught the pass for a touchdown. That’s highly debatable. Sherman was all over Crabtree and it wouldn’t have mattered if Kaepernick had thrown the ball up the tunnel, Sherman was with him all the way.

Sherman is also taller, faster and has longer arms than Crabtree. So when Crabtree failed to get separation
out of his stutter step, Kaepernick should have looked to his left.

What he would have found was zone coverage and a preoccupation with Boldin. On Boldin’s go route the cornerback went with him and Boldin also got the attention of deep safety Cam Chancellor. That left Patton alone for
the quick hitch or smoke route. No one was within 10 yards of the rookie.

Meanwhile, Davis’ “in” route at the 12-yard line was also open.

Throwing for the end zone with 42 seconds left is a valid option, particularly with the 49ers’ red zone struggles in the playoffs. However, not if the receiver running into the end zone is covered by a longer, faster and frankly, better player.

After the game, Kaepernick said he will always take a shot with Crabtree in man coverage. It’s laudable that Kaepernick has such a supreme belief in his top receiver, even though he is coming off a Achilles tendon tear.

Kaepernick and Crabtree are friends, and Kaepernick believes Crabtree can win against any cornerback in man coverage. Kaepernick has to realize that Crabtree is a good but not great receiver and Sherman is great. As a decision maker, he has to deal with reality not what he wants to be true.

So even though the pass to Crabtree was the easiest throw to read and even though Kaepernick has a special chemistry with him – he never should have thrown it. And that’s something Kaepernick and most 49ers fans will never forget.

Richard Sherman of the Seahawks greeted LaMichael James, who was injured earlier in the game. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship.

Richard Sherman of the Seahawks greeted LaMichael James, who was injured earlier in the game. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship.

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman reaches out to shake hands with San Francisco 49ers' Michael Crabtree after Sherman tipped a pass in the end zone intended for Crabtree in the final minute of the second half of the NFC championship. less

Seattle Seahawks' Richard Sherman reaches out to shake hands with San Francisco 49ers' Michael Crabtree after Sherman tipped a pass in the end zone intended for Crabtree in the final minute of the second half ... more

Photo: Matt Slocum / Associated Press

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Anquan Boldin (81) caught a touchdown pass past defender Earl Thomas in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Anquan Boldin (81) caught a touchdown pass past defender Earl Thomas in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Seattle's Richard Sherman, (25) celebrates the win with his teammates after the Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers 23-17,in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, 2014. less

Seattle's Richard Sherman, (25) celebrates the win with his teammates after the Seattle Seahawks beat the San Francisco 49ers 23-17,in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) heads for the locker room after their loss to the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, 2014. less

49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) heads for the locker room after their loss to the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers Patrick Willis, (52) pauses on the goal line after the end of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, 2014. less

49ers Patrick Willis, (52) pauses on the goal line after the end of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Fans greeted the defeated 49ers as they walked off the field Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Fans greeted the defeated 49ers as they walked off the field Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick,(7) and Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, (3) greet each other after the game as the 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, 2014. less

San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick,(7) and Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, (3) greet each other after the game as the 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 in the NFC Championship game at ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers Anquan Boldin, (81) pulls down a third quarter touchdown beating Seattle's Earl Thomas, (29) as the San Francisco 49ers went on to lose to the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, 2014. less

49ers Anquan Boldin, (81) pulls down a third quarter touchdown beating Seattle's Earl Thomas, (29) as the San Francisco 49ers went on to lose to the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 in the NFC Championship game at ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, (3) scrambles out of the pocket in the first half, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, 2014. less

Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, (3) scrambles out of the pocket in the first half, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Doug Baldwin (89) of the Seahawks made a long catch in the first half as Donte Whitner (31) defended Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Doug Baldwin (89) of the Seahawks made a long catch in the first half as Donte Whitner (31) defended Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Colin Kaepernick,(7) walks off the field after his interception late in the fourth quarter to stop their final drive as Francisco 49ers went on to lose to the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, 2014. less

Colin Kaepernick,(7) walks off the field after his interception late in the fourth quarter to stop their final drive as Francisco 49ers went on to lose to the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 in the NFC Championship ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49er head coach Jim Harbaugh greets quarterback Colin Kaepernick,(7) after his interception late in the fourth quarter to stop their final drive as Francisco 49ers went on to lose to the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, 2014. less

49er head coach Jim Harbaugh greets quarterback Colin Kaepernick,(7) after his interception late in the fourth quarter to stop their final drive as Francisco 49ers went on to lose to the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49er quarterback quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) and Seattle's Ricardo Lockette, (83) greet each other after the 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, 2014. less

49er quarterback quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) and Seattle's Ricardo Lockette, (83) greet each other after the 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Michael Crabtree (15) made a reception in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Michael Crabtree (15) made a reception in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Colin Kaepernick (7) took off for a first down run in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Colin Kaepernick (7) took off for a first down run in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Vernon Davis (85) (right) is hit hard by a defender after a second half catch Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Vernon Davis (85) (right) is hit hard by a defender after a second half catch Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and the bench reacted to a questionable call in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and the bench reacted to a questionable call in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Seattle's Jermaine Kearse (15) caught a touchdown pass on a fourth down play in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Seattle's Jermaine Kearse (15) caught a touchdown pass on a fourth down play in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Seattle fans yell and scream as their defense stops the 49ers in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Seattle fans yell and scream as their defense stops the 49ers in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Seattle's Marshawn Lynch (24) eludes a tackle from the 49ers Aldon Smith (99) in the fourth quarter Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Seattle's Marshawn Lynch (24) eludes a tackle from the 49ers Aldon Smith (99) in the fourth quarter Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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NaVorro Bowman is taken off the field after a second half injury Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

NaVorro Bowman is taken off the field after a second half injury Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Seattle's Russell Wilson (3) loses the ball as they tried to convert on a fourth down play in the second half. Donte Whitner (31) and Eric Reid (35) defend Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Seattle's Russell Wilson (3) loses the ball as they tried to convert on a fourth down play in the second half. Donte Whitner (31) and Eric Reid (35) defend Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Seattle's Kam Chancellor (31) comes up with an interception over Anquan Boldin in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Seattle's Kam Chancellor (31) comes up with an interception over Anquan Boldin in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Mrshawn Lynch (24) heads downfield on a touchdown run in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Mrshawn Lynch (24) heads downfield on a touchdown run in the second half Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Colin Kaepernick (7) gets his last hike of the game shortly before throwing an interception late in the fourth quarter Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Colin Kaepernick (7) gets his last hike of the game shortly before throwing an interception late in the fourth quarter Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Michael Crabtree(15) reacts after a pass to him is intercepted late in the fourth quarter and seals the game for Seattle Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Michael Crabtree(15) reacts after a pass to him is intercepted late in the fourth quarter and seals the game for Seattle Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Colin Kaepernick and Ricardo Lockette met after the game Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

Colin Kaepernick and Ricardo Lockette met after the game Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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49er coach Jim Harbaugh walked off the field Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. less

49er coach Jim Harbaugh walked off the field Sunday January 19, 2014. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 to win the NFC championship and a trip to the Super Bowl at CenturyLink Field ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks runs for a 40-yard touchdown in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during the 2014 NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field on January 19, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. less

Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks runs for a 40-yard touchdown in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during the 2014 NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field on January 19, ... more

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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San Francisco 49ers' Anquan Boldin celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Anthony Dixon (24) during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle. less

San Francisco 49ers' Anquan Boldin celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Anthony Dixon (24) during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Jan. ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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49ers Aldon Smith, (99) forces Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, (3) to fumble on the first paly of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, 2014. less

49ers Aldon Smith, (99) forces Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, (3) to fumble on the first paly of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers NaVorrow Bowman, (53) sacks Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, (3) in the first quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, 2014. less

49ers NaVorrow Bowman, (53) sacks Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, (3) in the first quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) on a 58 yard run in the second quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, 2014. less

49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) on a 58 yard run in the second quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts to a penalty call in the zsecond quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, 2014. less

49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts to a penalty call in the zsecond quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Russell Wilson (3) lost the ball on the first play of the game and fumbled. The San Francisco 49ers meet the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC title at CenturyLink field in Seattle, Washington Sunday January 19, 2014. less

Russell Wilson (3) lost the ball on the first play of the game and fumbled. The San Francisco 49ers meet the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC title at CenturyLink field in Seattle, Washington Sunday January 19, ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Colin Kaepernick (7) took off for a run in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers meet the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC title at CenturyLink field in Seattle, Washington Sunday January 19, 2014.

Colin Kaepernick (7) took off for a run in the first quarter. The San Francisco 49ers meet the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC title at CenturyLink field in Seattle, Washington Sunday January 19, 2014.

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Seattles Ricardo Lockette (83) forced LaMichael James to lose the ball on a punt in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers meet the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC title at CenturyLink field in Seattle, Washington Sunday January 19, 2014. less

Seattles Ricardo Lockette (83) forced LaMichael James to lose the ball on a punt in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers meet the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC title at CenturyLink field in Seattle, ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Colin Kaepernick ran for a first down in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers meet the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC title at CenturyLink field in Seattle, Washington Sunday January 19, 2014.

Colin Kaepernick ran for a first down in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers meet the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC title at CenturyLink field in Seattle, Washington Sunday January 19, 2014.

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Anthony Dixon (24) goes in for the 49ers first touchdown in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers meet the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC title at CenturyLink field in Seattle, Washington Sunday January 19, 2014. less

Anthony Dixon (24) goes in for the 49ers first touchdown in the first half. The San Francisco 49ers meet the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC title at CenturyLink field in Seattle, Washington Sunday January 19, ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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49ers' Anthony DIxon, (24) goes in from one yard out for a second quarter touchdown, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on Sunday Jan. 19, 2014. less

49ers' Anthony DIxon, (24) goes in from one yard out for a second quarter touchdown, as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Running back Anthony Dixon #24 of the San Francisco 49ers dives into the endzone against defensive end Red Bryant #79 of the Seattle Seahawks to score a one-yard touchdown in the first half against the Seattle Seahawks during the 2014 NFC Championship at CenturyLink Field on January 19, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. less

Running back Anthony Dixon #24 of the San Francisco 49ers dives into the endzone against defensive end Red Bryant #79 of the Seattle Seahawks to score a one-yard touchdown in the first half against the Seattle ... more

Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

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Seattle Seahawks' Russell Wilson is sacked by San Francisco 49ers' NaVorro Bowman (53) during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Seattle Seahawks' Russell Wilson is sacked by San Francisco 49ers' NaVorro Bowman (53) during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

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Seattle Seahawks' Russell Wilson (3) fumbles as he is hit by San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Seattle Seahawks' Russell Wilson (3) fumbles as he is hit by San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Photo: Elaine Thompson / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers' Patrick Willis (52) tries to fire up his team before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

San Francisco 49ers' Patrick Willis (52) tries to fire up his team before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Photo: Matt Slocum / Associated Press

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Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll talks to quarterback Russell Wilson before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll talks to quarterback Russell Wilson before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Photo: Elaine Thompson / Associated Press

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Seattle Seahawks' Russell Wilson works before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Seattle Seahawks' Russell Wilson works before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Photo: Elaine Thompson / Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, in Seattle.

Photo: Matt Slocum / Associated Press

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Colin Kaepernick - Should he have thrown that final pass to Michael Crabtree?